Mrs. Carl (Dorothy) Witte, 81, of the Maple Manor Nursing Home in Aplington, and formerly of Parkersburg, died early Thursday afternoon, May 2, 1985, at the nursing home.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 4 at 2 p.m. at the Faith Lutheran Church in Parkersburg with Pastor Wilfrid Frick officiating. Burial was in the Holland cemetery, Holland.

Anna Dorothea Kessler was born June 5, 1903, in Grundy County, IA, the daughter of Wilhelm and Angelina Poppen Kessler. She attended rural school in Grundy county, and following her schooling remained in the area.

On August 28, 1929, Dorothy was united in marriage to Carl J. Witte in the Salem Lutheran Church parsonage, rural Parkersburg. Following the couple's marriage, they remained in the Parkersburg area where they farmed. Following their retirement from farming, the couple moved into Parkersburg. Carl died on December 9, 1973, and Dorothy continued to live in their home until entering Maple Manor Nursing Home in August of 1977 where she has since lived.

She was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church, belonging to the Faith Circle, was a member of the Parkersburg Senior Citizens, the Parkersburg Historical Society, and worked with the Parkersburg Council on Aging. She was also very active with her gardening and enjoying reading.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Merlyn and Marian Witte of Cedar Falls, two sisters, Mrs. Tony Sinke of Portage, MI and Mrs. Fred Kalkwarf of Parkersburg; also one brother, Leroy Kessler of Otterville, IA.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Carl; a daughter-in-law, Norma; three brothers, Elmer, George and Daniel; and by one sister, Ellen.

The Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home of Cedar Falls was in charge of arrangements.